Me and the Big C

[Steve J]

Last Monday I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. This was a bit of a surprise, but not a shock, given earlier tests and family history. The good news is that it is mainly low aggressive cells with some medium ones chucked in for fun. It could have been worse. The recommended course of action is to have the offending 'item' removed. Now I'm absolutely fine with this and it is the best long term option .

The real downside is that I will be 'hors de combat' for 4-6 weeks at least and cannot lift anything heavier than a kettle. I'm going to go stir crazy as I like to be doing stuff rather than just sitting around. At least I have to take lots of walks to aid recovery, but I'm not sure our son will be too keen to escort me in during the early days to make sure I'm OK.

If 'every cloud has a silver lining' it is that this has focused my mind on getting lots of parked painting projects finished before the op. The aim is to have my games table permanently set up so that at least I can merrily game away as and when I have the energy. I may try and set up my painting station in our daughters room as she is still at Uni. Again it will give me something to do. Hopefully I will be posting plenty of AARs in the next month or so.

So to finish off, my cancer was caught as a result of my annual PSA test. Now sadly there is no national prostate screening programme for men over 50 yet and no sign of one in the near future. So I would strongly recommend that any forum members 50+, which will be a large proportion I'm sure, pop down to your GP and ask for a test if you are having any problems down below. Better safe than sorry.

[Nick the Lemming]

Sorry to hear that Steve, but hopefully it sounds like they've caught it early enough not to be a real problem. Hope you get well soon after the op too.

[petercooman]

Good luck!

Always good when caught early! My father in law got the same break as you, and recovered well!

[Shedman]

Likewise sorry to hear that

I hope everything goes well and that you have a speedy recovery

Alan

[jimduncanuk]

I was diagnosed with renal cancer in one kidney, a very aggressive form last November.

If they did nothing I would probably lose the other kidney and much in between fairly soon.

I had emergency surgery the first working day in January and despite a few hiccups on the way I am painting figures and playing games again.

I was not allowed to drive for 6 weeks and couldn't lift anything heavier than a paintbrush for most of that but I got there.

Never give up.

I'm sure you will make a complete recovery.

[Norm]

Steve, sorry to hear that news. You sound quite pragmatic about things and signed up to what is needed.  We have it in the family at the moment and confidence and spirits are both high and family and friends are important to that. I just wish you a comfortable and speedy recovery once treatment starts. Best Norm.

[Techno]

Steve.

Having been through 'the tests'.....and having being diagnosed with two of the 'diseases' that give the symptoms of  prostate cancer.....Which showed I wasn't suffering from the 'Big C'.
All I can say, is that I wish you the VERY, VERY best, Matey.

Keep your chin up, 'youth'.

I'm sure that things will work out fine.

VERY best wishes -Phil

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Hugs bud. All the best and speedy recovery.

[Ithoriel]

So sorry to read that Steve. I trust all will go as well as it possibly can.

Pretty sure that posting here doesn't count as "heavier than a kettle" so feel free to keep us updated!

[T13A]

Hi Steve

Good luck and just a thought, what ever happened to that Market Garden project....

All the very best, Paul

[d_Guy]

Very sorry to hear this, Steve. My next door neighbor was diagnosed with a more aggressive type five years ago (also caught due to quick rise in PSA). He had the surgery followed by targeted radiation. He is a great outdoorsman and no real "inside: hobbies - he was bored silly for about three months but has made a full recovery and is the picture of health. Get well, mate (and prayers to you).

Bill

[fsn]

All the very best wishes.

[Westmarcher]

Sorry to read this, Steve. Take heart - treatment is so much better nowadays so, unlike some other cancers, at least you get a fighting chance with this one (e.g., two acquaintances of mine who have had this have both recovered). All the best.

[Steve J]

Hi Chaps,
thanks for all the kind words . The prognosis is good and I'm pretty damned positive about the whole thing, with even large does of black humour thrown in . So fingers crossed I should make a full recovery. Naturally I'll keep you all updated.

Paul, my Market Garden project had stalled, which is fairly typical for me. However with my enforced rest, I hope to get this back on track. At least some of the German armour is getting finished, with just the small matter of the American Airborne and the Paras to base and paint.

[Matt J]

Sorry to hear this Steve, positive mental attitude is the key and you seem to have this in spades!
Wish you all the best.